Many
Theologians have said that America’s greatest theologian is
Jonathan Edwards. When people hear the name they associate him with
the awfulness of hell, since his famous sermon, “Sinners in the
Hands of an Angry God” found its way into American literature.

The
truth is Jonathan Edwards taught more about happiness of heaven than
he taught about hell. He would say that any happiness we experience
here on the earth would only be for a short while since there will
always be someone around who would spoil it. “Providence seems
watchfully to take care that they should have no exceeding joy and
satisfaction in this world… God reserves happiness to be
bestowed hereafter, that is, the appointed time for it and that is
the reason he does not give it now.” Edwards in so many words
would say, God who is filled with happiness delights to give it to
His creatures. (See The works of Jonathan Edwards vol. 2 Banner of
Truth)

Answering
the Question – v. 1-8

Who is able
to stand against the wrath of the Lamb? (Joel 2:32)

Answer:
Only those who call upon the Name of the Lord will be delivered.

An interlude
between the sixth and seventh seal – 8:1

God’s
bond servants – the 144,000, the twelve tribes – Gal.
6:16

The church is
sealed – v.3,4 cf. II Tim. 2:19

God’s
Elect

They will
escape destruction - v.3

They are the
spiritual descendants of Abraham – Gal. 3:8-9; 28,29; 6:15-16

They are a
fixed number – Turn to: Rev. 14:1

They are beyond
the possibility of any man to count them – v.9; Gen. 22:17;
Matt. 28:19

They are
clearly identified – v.14

They are
shielded by the blood of the Lamb – v.14

They are
dressed in the righteousness of the Christ – 14, cf. 22:14

What will
Heaven be Like? V. 9-17

It will be a
life of unwearied service – v. 15a

Unbounded
Security – v. 15b

“Tribulation
applies to every age of the Christian church v.14; John 16:33; I
Pet. 4:1-7; Col. 1:24

Perfect
Satisfaction v.16

“We
shall have everything we desire and desire everything we have”
Richard Brooks,

I
Cor. 15:52

Conclusion – v.17

We see a
dual status of our Savior both Lamb and Shepherd.

We are
led beside the refreshing springs of water of life - John 4:10,11;
and blessed by the perpetually indwelling of the Spirit –
John 7:37-39

We are given complete happiness, no more sorrows or tears.
Rev. 21:4 (Jonathan Edwards, Heb. 4:4-11)